Free trade puts corporations and profits first, ahead of environmental and social concerns. McCain thinks this is not a problem, “As never before, the market would reward any person or company that seeks to invent, improve, or acquire alternatives to carbon-based energy…” Will the market reward alternative energy companies with profit? The US and EU are already calling on the elimination of tariffs for goods and services that protect the environment and fight climate change to help these companies profit.

At first glance, this sounds like a good idea to spur a green economy, especially considering the EU states that trade is growing twice as fast in green goods and services than the rest of global trade. But what about the social and environmental consequences of free trade? Producing solar panels in low-wage countries will lower their production costs and increase company profits, but what about assisting these domestic companies in these countries to develop the technology themselves? Plus, you can’t ignore the environmental impact of shipping these green products thousands of miles in cargo ships or the weaker environmental regulations in these countries. Of course, many believe free trade can fix these lax regulations by imposing tougher environmental laws, such as McCain’s proposal. Some even argue these weaker laws are a result of tariff-imposed trade that impede upon profit, as countries fear jobs will move abroad to countries with less environmental regulation, a term called “eco-dumping“. Isn’t this what we have seen in the US since NAFTA’s approval?

Free trade is not the solution to the climate crisis. A green collar economy goes beyond installing solar panels to developing these technologies domestically, paying fair wages, and providing health benefits. If this is not possible, then fair trade, rather than free trade, principles should be used abroad. What good is it to save the environment, if we don’t save the humans? Taking advantage of people in third world countries is not the solution. Some economists argue that once these countries reach a certain level of wealth, they will demand a cleaner environment. This may be true, but free trade won’t stop companies from eco-dumping in the next country with weaker environmental laws. The link between poverty and environmental degradation is clear, so we must eliminate global poverty. Free trade focuses on companies and profits, thus ensuring it is not the answer to our current climate crisis.

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About the Author

Jennifer Lance Jennifer lives on 160 acres off-the-grid in a home built with her own two hands (and several more skilled pairs of hands) from forest fire salvaged timber. Her home is powered by a micro-hydro turbine, and she has been a vegetarian for 21 years.
Jennifer graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in art education and has been teaching art to children for over 16 years. She also spent five years teaching in a one-room schoolhouse before becoming the mother of two beautiful children. Jennifer has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently teaching preschool, as well as k-8 art. She enjoys writing, gardening, hiking, practicing yoga, and raising four akitas. Jennifer is the founder and editor of Eco Child's Play (http://ecochildsplay.com)
"I’ve always been concerned about the earth and our impact upon it. Now that I have children, I feel compelled to raise them with green values. From organic gardening to alternative energy, my family tries to leave a small carbon footprint."
Please visit my other blog:
http://reallynatural.com

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